Court Orders Release of Detained Masquerades, Others,Upholds Cultural Rights
By Gbenga Sodeinde
In a landmark judgment that reasserts the constitutional protection of indigenous religious practices, a court has ruled in favour of the Ancient Ancestral Traditional Practice (Ekpo), affirming the rights of its adherents in Akwa Ibom State.
The decision follows the controversial arrest of Mr. Effiong, a committed adherent of the Ekpo tradition, who was detained by authorities for allegedly causing a public disturbance during an Ekpo masquerade outing.
His arrest triggered outrage among traditional institutions and cultural advocates, who accused the government of disrespecting and suppressing a centuries-old cultural heritage.
In its judgment, the court held that the Ekpo masquerade is an integral part of the identity, spirituality, and cultural expression of the people, rights that are guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution. The court further ruled that the actions of the arresting costume constituted a violation of Mr. Effiong’s cultural and religious freedoms.
In its ruling, the court declared his arrest unlawful and ordered his immediate and unconditional release.
Beyond setting him free, the court also directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the violation of his fundamental human rights, including his freedom of worship.
Legal observers describe the decision as a significant reinforcement of the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The judgment is expected to contribute to ongoing conversations about the protection and recognition of traditional belief systems across the country.